I rated 5 stars because it does improve the appearance of leather; this is why I'm still not happy with it. The guide does say to wear gloves the cheap gloves they send are not worth bothering with, use your own. This dye is very difficult to remove from hands. It is also easy to get it everywhere, cover your work space. It is not runny but somehow you end up with a little bit in many places, and it is not easy to remove. They send several small items with the jar of leather restore cream like it's a little kit. Not meaning to be harsh, but it is all crap, toss it. Trying to use those bits and pieces just makes a mess and the white sponge actually cracks and breaks off. The one helpful item is a small plastic spatula. It can be used to spread small amounts of dye onto a flat disposable surface so that you can dip into the dye as needed. If you try dipping into the bottle you will have one big mess. Almost forgot to add, the little white paint brush can be helpful when applying restorer or for getting into small spaces. It actually takes very little of the restorer for a large item unless you are repairing a badly damaged couch or recliner. If you can get the small jar go for it the 12 ounce jar could probably do 50 purses , shoes, and backpacks, with this balm, less is batter. Then, choosing a color can be difficult they show just a little circle of the colors offered. No examples to get an idea of how the color might look when applied they show only the dark brown which is almost a black brown it's so dark. I had more of a medium brown purse/backpack that had some darkened rain soaked areas. If I had know how well this balm covers I would probably have gone with the medium brown. Now, my purse/backpack is a totally different color. While it is too dark for my taste I have to say it looks natural and the leather is soft. Additionally, when they show the before and after pictures it's not a true picture. The real after picture should show the full dull flat color you actually get. The after pictures they show is after a lot of buffing, and polishing using conditioners and or mink oil. That is not a bad thing but they should show it the way it is. Also, no mink oil or conditioners are included in the "kit" so the finished product should not show something that is not included. My backpack was a medium dark brown that is why I choose dark brown but a few tips on choosing the color would have been helpful. I suggest a surface cover like newspaper, a pair of gloves and wrapping a portion of a lint free cloth around an index finger and using that technique to apply the restorer on the larger surfaces as well as crevices and seam lines. Let dry for several hours, buff gently then use a polishing cloth followed by a polish, conditioner or mink oil. I did not have any polish or mink oil I buffed with a microfiber cloth than a polishing cloth that I normally use after waxing my car. Also, I should add that you will probably need to touch up any areas you missed after your project is completely dry. After I do a little touch up work, apply mink oil and polish briskly my purse may not be half bad. I will try to make peace with the new color but for now it's still a disappointment. However, I'll never let it be said that I can't accept a win when it's staring me in the face.

It ended up being just slightly lighter than my original color but it evened out the tone of the light patches left after cleaning spots on the leather cushions. It has made my second-hand leather sectional look as good as new. Awesome product!

I have to admit. Neighbor died and I saw this recliner in the trash. It was brand new except for the wear spots by the head and feet. I sat in it first to make sure the seat wasn’t sunken in from wear and it was perfect. I had nothing to loose even if it didn’t work. The recliner was grey but I bought the dark grey color to make sure I could get the worn spots. I’m glad I got the darker color. It didn’t change the color of the chair much, First throw out the sponge. It doesn’t work and cracks apart. Get your own gloves. I only used 1 glove. Used the spatula to take the dye out of the jar and a piece of cloth to apply. I was shocked at how easy it was to spread on. I had to go back and do a second coat on the really bad spots but I am pleased with the results. Dries to a matte finish. I then went back and used a soft microfiber cloth to buff it in. If these people knew what they threw out they would be sick. The little bit of time I spent on it was well worth it. My husbands old recliner was not leather and the seat was getting soft making it hard to get out of. This one is sturdy so glad I had to take the dog out at Midnight otherwise I would never have seen this. There was a matching couch but that looked raggedy so left that. First time I have ever taken furniture like that out of the garbage but if I find something leather again in good condition I will be sure to take it.

10 0f 10. I just bought a new truck to me but 2014 Ram 1500 Sport Crew Cab 5.7L Hemi. The only interior problem was the rub on the black leather seat on the driver side from the person getting in and out and of course smashing the bottom seat cushion. This stuff is amazing. I put on gloves and just wiped around the areas that were worn. I did it lightly like painting a wall. Don't over do it. then I let it dry. Then I did another coat. Same procedure. Let it dry. 3rd coat. same thing. let it dry. Man my seats look brand new now. Of course it has the wrinkles from the weight of the person sitting in the seat for so long but the leather looks new. I actually ended up doing a light coat over all the seats 2 times. The interior looks as new as you can get it without buying a new interior. Im so pleased with this stuff. with that said take caution because this stuff stains. if you get it on your clothes they are probably done for. that is why you let it dry and do a thin layer and repeat for perfection.

Not quite sure what to make of this product. It has the consistency of a gel stain, but goes on more like paint. Tested on a scrap of chrome-tanned upholstery leather - scuffed the surface with sandpaper (not quite a color match, but that highlights the look of the product). Seems pretty durable when dried. I think it's actually thick enough to fill in small scratches or cracks, but I wasn't happy with my test result with the heavy scuff (particularly the texture). Overall, there was an improvement in the repaired section, but I think I would stick other leather stains and conditioners for most repairs. (Would probably give 3.5 stars if that was possible)

Fantastic!! Dark grey leather, looks almost brand new! Circled red area had no pigmentation left. Applied dye and leather conditioner, looks good as new. Going to order dark brown to do my recliner now!

These are before and after pics. The difference is unbelievable! I am so impressed! Feels just like the original leather! I highly recommend!